Treatment Options For Bursitis: 3 Ways To Decrease Inflammation

Is Inflammation Targeting Your Joints?

Chronic inflammation affects over 60 million Americans and counting. Inflammation is the body’s immune response to a virus, bacteria, or external irritant. These responses are great for treating pathogens, but sometimes, the immune system attacks the joints and tissues. The constant attack of the joints could create an issue called bursitis. Luckily, bursitis can go away with the right treatment options.

Understanding bursitis

Joints contained fluid-filled sacs called bursa that provide cushion and help with smooth movement. Bursitis happens when the fluid-filled sacs become inflamed, not the bone or tissue. The condition often occurs in the hips, shoulders, and knees but can happen in almost any joint. People with bursitis will feel a dull pain in the affected joint that tender to the touch. The pain tends to get worse with movement. The best way to fight bursitis is to decrease inflammation, and these 3 ways should help.

1. A little hot and cold

The area with bursitis can benefit from hot and cold therapy. The affected joint can become red and swollen. Using a cold pack can reduce any immediate swelling while keeping the joint elevated. After the cold compress, use heat therapy to increase circulation. From there, a compression sleeve or garment can help with everyday movement.

2. Try an NSAID

Since bursitis is inflammation, an NSAID could be just what the doctor ordered. These are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The goal is to block the enzymes that create the chemicals that cause inflammation. Popular NSAIDs include aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. Try these as needed to reduce the swelling and joint pain that comes with bursitis. Make sure to use the medication as advised, paying attention to how long these are used.

3. Just rest

This sounds simple, but resting the affected joint is helpful in reducing inflammation. Bursitis gets worse with movement. Furthermore, overuse is one of the primary reasons for the condition. Finding time to keep the joint still, for at least 30 minutes, is essential. If complete rest is impossible, find ways to rest the joint alone. Use ergonomic furniture, splints, walking aids, or other support systems as much as possible.

Treating your bursitis

Reducing inflammation is the starting point. Addressing the source of the pain is the best way to improve the quality of life. If these 3 methods fail, start by visiting a doctor immediately. The doctor may try corticosteroid injection to reduce the pain or oral antibiotics for infections. If these fail, in severe cases, surgery may help. Bursitis surgery uses minimally invasive means to remove part or all of the bursa. Based on the damage, the surgeon may also remove pieces of bone or cartilage. The surgery has an over 70% success rate but does come with risk.

Fight inflammation, fight bursitis

Inflammation can be chronic and painful. With rest, hot and cold therapy, and medication, bursitis can subside. To reduce flare-ups, maintain a healthy weight and diet. People with bursitis should get help if the non-surgical means fail to stop the condition. Speak with a doctor for further treatment and to keep bursitis at bay.